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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Well, I've been taking some time off from the blog and the radio show. I just got back from 3 days in Macon, GA with 10 middle schoolers. We attended the Youth Evangelism Conference that is put on by the Georgia Baptist Convention. I'm a little tired - no let's say a lot tired and I'm grateful for Bryan Race (WRAF station manager) for allowing me to take those few days and to take the rest of the week off to recuperate. I also want to thank Maggie Downing (evening personality at WRAF) for taking the morning show this week (Mags you're the best!!)

Before I sign off for the week I thought I would share with you my partial list of resolutions. You know, those things we say we want to accomplish each new year but never get them all done. Well, here's my list:

I want to yell less and listen more

I want to drop to 240 lbs (right now I'm about 290-300)

I want to read more and watch less television (if you know of any good books - Christian or not - let me know)

I want to get the family out of more debt

Raise money for my son's trip to Student Life in the summer (I will go, of course)

Start my speaking ministry - I've already been to a few churches and youth group and if you would like me to speak at your church just drop me a line

Spend more time with my wife in the word

There are a lot more but I don't want to get to bogged down. I think a primary reason we don't reach any of our goals is that we set too many, and many of them are just to high. Set some goals before you reach 2009 and I pray you will reach them all.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

In Phil Cooke's latest blog article he shares a story of the power of a small gift and a kind word. Penn of the magic/comedy act Penn and Teller was given a Gideon Bible by one of the members of the audience. Penn is an atheist but this short interaction definitely made an impact on his life. Take a look

Let's remember that we have been given the greatest gift and during this Christmas season let's not forget to "give" this gift as well.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Christmas is upon us and with that comes traveling. Since gas prices has taken a plunge there will probably be more drivers on the roads which means the chance for hazzardous roads. America's Road Team Captains, elite professional truck drivers chosen by the American Trucking Association, offers advice for holiday travelers. Here are some tips you can use to get to your destination safely:

Map your route. Know where you are going and be prepared to exit the highway in advance.

Do not cut in front of large trucks. Keep a safe distance between and other drivers on the road.

The American Trucking Association is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliates state trucking associations. The ATA represents moren than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carries in the United States

Friday, December 19, 2008

NASHVILLE, TN - Fervent Records’/Reprise singer and songwriter Francesca Battistelli hasn’t stopped since the release of her debut project, My Paper Heart, released July 22nd. With the success of her first radio single, the hit “I’m Letting Go,” which nabbed the #3 spot on the radiocharts, to numerous appearances and touring non-stop this past summer and fall, Battistelli is more than excited for what’s ahead in 2009. Set to follow up with her next radio single “Free To Be Me” hitting the airwaves next month, Battistelli has joined the 35-date “Winter Jam” tour,performing in markets all over thecountry starting in January and going through March. She’ll be sharing the stage with artists such as TobyMac, Brandon Heath, and Hawk Nelson, among many other special guests. For the most updated tour dates and information, please visit www.jamtour. com. The music of Francesca Battistelli has been recognized by being named one of iTunes’ best new artists of 2008 within the Christian/Gospel Category. In addition, she received accolades for “I’m Letting Go” as the #3 “Best iTunes Song” of the year, following Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns, respectively.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

It was a shock to say the least. Checking my email for news items I came across a story of a former student of mine who is competing in the Pay Yourself First contest down in Snellville, Georgia. Tim Rhodes, a former student of mine and former co-worker at WRAF-FM, is a finalist in the contest being sponsored by First National Bank of Omaha.

Tim's goal is save $6000 in six months and to pay of his student loans. He and his wife, Beth, have taken a minimalist attitude toward their budget. They have even opened their house to a fellow worker and his wife. They have sold boxes of old records, books - even Beth's wedding dress. Follow Tim's blog about his progress here.

What a great goal for the coming year. Minimize stuff, get out of debt, and start saving. Tim, buddy you have inspired me! Thanks for your example.

A question - what are your goals for the coming year? Drop me a line and let me know.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

On today's morning show, I had Jody Hice on the air with me and we discussed the issue of stores not using "Christmas" in their marketing and advertising. Jody gave a brief list of those who were for "Christmas" and those who were not. Some of the stores mentioned gave a few in the audience a little shock. Some even called some of the individual stores to confirm what was reported by Jody.

Here's a list compiled the American Family Association of Naughty and Nice businesses. If you find your favorite store on the list, give them a call and let them know your feelings. You never know but you might be the catalyst for change.

Monday, December 8, 2008

This past weekend I came with a 48 hour version of the 24 hour flu. I hate when I get sick - coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, the whole thing. I remember something I shared on the morning show last week that I got from Yahoo! Health that I hope will help you from getting the flu. Here are 5 ways to keep from getting sick:

Stay away from sugar and processed food.

Fresh food offers the highest quality of vitamins.

Get enough sleep.

Fatigue is the first sign of a weakened immune system.

Wash your hands - but stay away from anti-bacterial products.

I have to say after looking at this list, I wasn't getting enough sleep and by last Thursday I was extremely tired. Sleep is probably the one thing we can all do keep the defenses up. Get your sleep and eat your veggies and have a healthy winter.

These are just a few of the things that I am thankful for. I believe it helps to list those things out and post them where you can see them on a daily basis. This will help you stay focused on what is important in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

I love soccer!! One of the skills that my kids had to learn over and over again was the throw-in, how to do it correctly and how to defend against it. Here's an example that I don't recommend for defending or executing.

One of the hot-button issues in the last election dealt with gay marriage. A number of states had propositions on the ballot to uphold marriage as between a man and a woman. The state the entire country watched was California and it's Prop. 8. At the forefront of the California debate was Dr. Jim Garlow, senior pastor of Skyline Church in San Diego and host of The Garlow Perspective heard on Toccoa Falls Radio.

On today's broadcast ofThe Dr. Phil Show, Dr. Garlow, along with others who advocate for traditional marriage, will debate their position with those who support gay marriage. This is a program you are not going to want to miss. Check your local listings for when "The Dr. Phil Show" airs in your community.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Toccoa Falls Radio is proud to announce a 24/7 Christmas channel. This channel will give you all your Christmas favorites streamed right to your computer or Wi-Fi device. Listen at the office or home and enjoy continuous Christmas favorites.

Each week we will give away something special for your Christmas holiday. On November 24 we will give away a Christmas Comfort Gift Basket. This basket will contain gourmet holiday peppermint coffee, soothing peppermint tea, and double-chocolate hot cocoa mix complete with cinnamon sticks. Plus, you will also receive a WRAF travel mug and a WRAF coffee mug. You must enter at mychristmasradio.net.

I know, I know - the last thing anyone wants to do on the night before Thanksgiving is cook a big meal for that night. Many are getting ready for the big feast the next day. Last minute trips (yes, that's plural - you don't know my family) to the grocery store and the kids are screaming for something to eat that minute. Well, according to some new research the newest Thanksgiving tradition is to eat pizza the night before.

This year, families are making Domino's Pizza their number one meal choice on Thanksgiving Eve. As families get ready for turkey day and travelers arrive to their destinations, Domino's Pizza will be delivering 1.1 million (that's right million) pizzas on November 26. That is a 50.22% increase over a normal Wednesday.

According to Jenny Fouracre, Domino's Pizza spokesperson, "Thanksgiving Eve is one of our busiest days of the year. It's one of those days we circle on the calendar and for which we prepare. Our stores stock up on fresh ingredients and increase staff to ensure we can meet the needs of hungry customers across the nation."

Thanksgiving Eve ranks as one of the top five busiest days for Domino's. The other four days are Super Bowl Sunday, Halloween, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. The question is - will the current economic condition and a predicted decline in holiday travel affect the amount of money spent on pizza?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The New Oxford American Dictionary has chosen its 2008 Word of the Year. Do you keep the tires on your car properly inflated to maximize your gas mileage? Have you removed the roof rack from your vehicle to streamline the car and reduce drag? Do you turn your engine off rather than idle at long stoplights? If you said yes to any of these questions you just might be a "hypermiler."

"Hypermiling" was coined in 2004 by Wayne Gerdes, who runs the web site http://www.cleanmpg.com/. "To hypermile" is to attempt to maximize gas mileage by making fuel-conserving adjustments to one's car and one's driving techniques. Rather than aiming for good mileage or even great mileage, hypermilers seek to push their gas tanks to the limit and achieve hypermileage, exceeding EPA ratings for miles per gallon.

Here are few ways USAmericans hypermil:

Driving without shoes (increases foot sensitivity on the pedals)

Parking your car so as to not have to back out of a parking space

"Ridge-riding" - driving on the white lines so as to avoid driving through water-filled ruts in the road when it's raining.

Though some have called the practice has "eco-driving" and have given hypermiling a thumbs up, the AAA has issued statements condemning the practice.

Well the day has finally arrived. For some, this will be the day when the planets align and all is right with the world. For others, this is the beginning of the apocalypse. All I have to say is - GET OVER IT!!

I'm a political junky and I love reading, listening and watching the stump speeches, the analysis, the pundits - everything about politics really jazzes me up. But for the last few months I've been hearing more and more how if one side wins the upper class will continue to get all the breaks. If the other side wins we are well on the way to communism. Let me ask you one question: Who do you have faith in - the one who sits in the White House or the one who sits on the Throne of Heaven?

Let's not forget that the God of the Universe, the One who created all things, the One who has every thing in His hands is not suprised by any of this. And it is all part of His Will. We mortals tend to look at things from our finite point of view and believe God is also seeing things from that same point of view. Our God is a 4-dimensional God and sees everything from every possible vantage point. Let's rest in Him alone and allow His perfect will to work.

Friday, October 31, 2008

It was October 31, 1517, in Wittenberg, Germany. A monk and professor walked out into the street and straight to the church, and with a hammer in one hand and a long piece of paper in another the world would be changed forever.

That monk was Martin Luther and what he nailed was his 95 Theses. Luther spent much of his time studying the Bible. The more he studied, the more he began to disagreed with the doctrine of the Catholic Church. The paper he nailed were his 95 points of disagreement.

The primary point of disagreement was the matter of salvation - how man could have his sins forgiven and be restored to a right relationship with God. At the time, the church taught that people could purchase forgiveness of sins. Luther, along with other reformers at the time, taught that God alone could grant forgiveness. Along with that teaching, the reformers also taught that religion and good deeds could not save but only through faith in God's Son, Jesus Christ.

Ever since that October day in 1517, the world has been feeling the affects of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation not only birthed the Protestant movement, but also brought about social, political, and economic change.

Protestantism taught that work was a gift from God, and so people worked hard which led to scientific discovery, inventions, and wealth.

Politically, the movement spurred on the Eighty and Thirty Years Wars that changed the face of Europe forever.

Much of this article was adapted by an article on Reformation Day written by Jim Eliff which can be read in its entirety here.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

In a recent post, I told of research of how many are uncomfortable with meeting strangers during holiday parties. Well, you might not even get the chance. According to an annual survey conducted by Battalia Winston Amrop, only 81% of businesses in the U.S. will have a holiday party of some kind. This marks the lowest percentage in the last 20 years which surpasses 83% after 9/11 and 82% during the 1991 recession. In addition, 37% of those polled say that the economy has impacted the planning of their holiday celebrations - either they have cancelled them altogether or the parties will be more modest.

Other findings of interest:

No bonus this year - 62% of businesses will either give the same or smaller bonuses this year.

Increase the chartiable giving - even though the economy is difficult, many businesses will continue to participate in charitable giving (74%)

Time and Place of Christmas parties - those that will give a party this year they will happen in the evening and not during work hours.

Gift giving - 42% of employees polled said they are still planning to give co-workers Christmas gifts this year

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Friday, October 24, 2008

This Sunday's episode of "Extreme Home Makeover" will feature one of Christian musics more popular musicians, Mark Schultz. Filmed at a children's hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, Mark will be performing his song "He's My Son." The show airs each Sunday at eight o'clock on ABC.

In the short eight years of his career, Mark has received a number of great reviews from Christian and non-Christian writers. 2005 proved to be a strong year for Schultz when he reach platinum status and received his first Dove Award. His song "He's My Son" was recognized by Esquire magazine and his song "Letters From War" was selected by the U.S. Army to be the centerpiece of their "Be Safe - Make it Home" campaign.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Gold's Gym, the world's leading fitness authority, released their top 10 list of our nation's most fit presidents. They looked at all 43 presidents and found that their fitness routines were as diverse as their leadership styles. Here are the fittest presidents in U.S. history:

John Quincy Adams - 6th President - walked three to four miles a day and swam the Potomac River on a regular basis.

George W. Bush - 43rd President - an avid cyclist, is said to exercise 6 days a week.

Gerald Ford - 38th President - the longest living President (93 years), a former collegiate star with the Univ. of Michigan, turned down contracts with the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears to pursue a career in law and politics.

Zachary Taylor - 12th President - known as "Old Rough and Ready" and used a military regiment to whip his body into shape (served in the ARmy for 40 years).

Thomas Jefferson - 3rd President - believed, "a strong body makes the mind strong"; enjoyed horseback riding, fishing and long walks (which he believed was the best way to clear one's mind).

Herbert Hoover - 31st President - had his own sport, "Hoover Ball" a combination of tennis and volleyball that used a medicine ball and an 8 foot tall net; he played every morning at 7 just before White House business began.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

This past weekend, leaders from around the globe came to Lawrenceville, Georgia and the Catalyst Conference. One of the speakers at the event was Perry Noble, senior pastor of Newspring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. He spoke on keeping within your passion and asking yourself 4 questions to make sure you stay on your passion.

How much time do I spend listening to God?

Is it more important for me to be discovered or to be developed?

What lies am I believing?

Am I willing to take risks or just play it safe?

These questions are not meant mainly for leaders but for everyone who has a God-given passion. Ask yourself these questions on a regular basis in order to keep yourself grounded and in the center of the passion God has given to you.

Friday, October 10, 2008

There have been times when I have complained about prior bosses and the way they have performed their duties. I would think, at the time, that if I were in the same position I could do a better job. But when it really came down to it - I never wanted my boss' job.

A survey developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service who specialize in the placement of highly skilled adminstrative professionals, asked 603 workers 18 years of age and older if they had a desire to have their boss' job. Here are the results:

Would you like to have your manager's job:No..........................................77%Yes........................................20%Don't know/no answer.........3%

They were also asked if they could do a better job than their boss -No..........................................60%Yes........................................33%Don't know/no answer.........7%

Other findings showed that workers between the ages of 18 and 34 had their sights set on their boss' job (32%) and thought they could do a better job (43%). Another finding was that men were more likely than women to desire their boss' job and could do better at it.

According to Dave Wilmer, executive director of OfficeTeam, "Employees who observe their boss often don't envy the budgeting and personnel decisions he or she has to make, particularly in a challenging economy, and they may conclude the job isn't for them."

Thursday, October 9, 2008

I mentioned on today's show about a study conducted by PrimaLoft regarding which things or situations Americans symbolize as comfort. The holidays are times in which we get invited to to a number of parties and come across people we have never met. According to this study, 34% of Americans are uncomfortable about introducing themselves to strangers.

In this study, men are more comfortable (72%) meeting stranger than women (58%). However, in dealing with confronting a close neighbor, those numbers drop (58% of men and 69% of women). What does this say about us? Maybe that is why, as Christians, we find it hard to confront those who need to hear the Gospel.

According to Tom Mendl, marketing director for PrimaLoft, "Most people avoid confrontation in general. It makes sense not to stir up hard feelings with people who live nearby." What is the most umcomfortable situation - telling someone they have bad breath.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Who spends more money on pizza - Democrats or Republicans? Are liberals more inclined to eat veggie pizzas? Do conservatives spend less on pizza but use their credit card more often? These questions may soon be answered by Domino's Pizza. The world leader in pizza delivery has launched "Pizza Tracker Poll" at their website.

Customers who order their pizzas online and follow the progress of their order using Domino's Pizza tracker, can participate in the "Pizza and Politics" poll. They will be able to identify themselves as Democrat, Republican or Undecided, and Domino's will be able to see which political party likes to "ham" it up with their pizza.

Chris McGlothin, Domino's Chief Information Officer said, "Through our technology, we can match pizza and sandwich orders with our customer's self-identification with a political party to see what kinds of trends exist, if any. This is our chance to determine if the stereotypes about political affiliations are deserved or if they're just myths."

This reminds me as a student at Toccoa Falls College, the guys dorm would compete with the other two major dorms on campus, both womens, to see who order more pizza each semester. The guys would always lose. Next time you order your pizza, try giving this system a try and see who eats more pizza and what kinds - Democrats or Republicans.

Did you get the chance to watch the big debate last night? I think it's pretty interesting how this year's Vice Presidential debate has been more anticipated than the Presidential debates. Sarah Palin has definitely energized not only the Republican ticket but also the race all together.

I've been watching the blogs and the tweets on the debate and I've noticed how many were taken by Palin's style and knowledge. Though some were unable to give her the credit that is due her, I for one was pleasantly surprised at her wit and straightforwardness.

Phil Cooke has some good comments on the debate. Go to his blog here to read what he had to say.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Jody Hice Show will be moving to 3pm on Toccoa Falls Radio beginning today. With this move, Toccoa Falls Radio will be airing a special live edition of Jody's program. Join me and Bryan Race as we sit down with Jody and talk about ADF's Pulpit Freedom Initiative and the response he has received since Sunday.

Snacking in front of the television - studies have shown that eating in front of the T.V. causes us to eat more that 40% more food than we would naturally eat. The main reason is that you are paying more attention to what you are watching than what you are eating.

Using food to feel better - how many times have you gone to the freezer or pantry for that comfort food at the end of a tough day. My favorite comfort food is "Cheeze-Its".

Relying on external cues rather than on internal cues - a study conducted by Cornell University's Food Brand Lab found that Americans tend to use an external cue, such as a clean plate, as an indicator to quit eating rather than an internal cue, like feeling full.

Favoring fast food - we live in a go-go-go culture. It's so much easier to go through a drive through and pick up dinner than it is to make a sit down dinner at home. I urge you to try to have at least one sit-at-home dinner with the family. What you will find is that your family will get closer, you'll have a few more dollars in your pocket, and you might juse feel a little better

Eliminating fat from your diet - we have all fallen into this idea that ALL fat is bad. However, there are types of fat that is good for you - monounsaturated (found in nuts), polyunsaturated (found in corn oil) and omega-3 (found in fish) are all beneficial.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Casting Crowns, multiple Grammy and Dove Award winning group, will headline a 14 city tour entitled, "Casting Crowns Christmas Celebration." The tour is set to begin November 28. Joining Casting Crowns for this Christmas celebration will be: Natalie Grant, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Avalon, Michael English, and Radio Disney favorite pureNRG.

For more information on Casting Crowns and their Christmas tour click here.

Monday, September 29, 2008

I can't begin to tell you how impressed and moved I was during yesterday's worship service. My pastor, Dr. Jody Hice, delivered a sermon that moved the audience and endorsed Sen. John McCain. A number of members from the media were present and heard a message that, from scripture, showed were each candidate stood on two of the most important issues of morality - abortion and homosexuality.

Today, Jody has been on both NPR and Fox News. To see the video of Jody's interview with Megyn Kellye click here.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

This Sunday, September 28, is an important Sunday in many churches across the country. These churches will be participating in what has been initiated by the Alliance Defense Fund as Pulpit Freedom Sunday. During the services, the pastors of these churches will be defying the IRS and will endorse a candidate for President of the United States.

According to the ADF website, "The Pulpit Initiative is a legal effort designed to protect the First Amendment rights of pastors in the pulpit. As part of the effort, pastors participating in Pulpit Freedom Sunday on Sunday, September 28, 2008, will deliver to their congregations sermons of their own that apply Scripture to the subject of candidates for government office. The sermons are intended to restore a pastor’s right to speak freely from his pulpit without fearing censorship or punishment by the government. By standing together and speaking with one voice, it is our hope to recapture the rightful place of pastors and churches in American life."

Please be in prayer for these pastors and their congregations as they strive to return freedom of speech to all 501c(3) organizations. As one pastor in Minnesota has said, the ACLU may have the IRS on their side but pastors have the Constitution on theirs.

For more information on what the Pulpit Initiative is and is not click here.

Legendary voice of the Georgia Bulldogs, Larry Munson,has hung up the mic and officially retired. Because of declining health, Munson quit doing road games and has only worked two home games this season. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Munson said in a statement, "I can't express enough my deep feelings toward the Georgia football fans. They've been so friendly especially during this most recent period time. I feel I owe them so much more than I can give."

During last night's practise, Georgia headcoach Mark Richt said, "What do you say when a legend steps down? I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to be associated with him. It's been an honor to work with one of the legendary college football broadcasters of all time. I hope he enjoys his full retirement and wish him the very best..."

I, for one, will miss his voice and his unique play calling ability. The Bulldog nation wishes you all the best, Larry!!

Monday, September 22, 2008

What was the reason the Democratic Carter Administration gave for setting up the Department of Energy? We have spent billions of dollars in support of this agency and I'm willing to bet that no one reading this post will remember the reason given.

In 2008, the Department of Energy's budget is $24.2 billion per year. They have 16,000 federal employees and 100,000 contract employees. Have you remembered the reason yet? Well, it's very simple really --

I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending my money than I would

I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.

I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the bad guys will stop whatever they're doing because they now think we're good people.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday CAN tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.

I'm voting Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep death row inmates alive.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as THEY see fit.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe three or four pointy headed elitist liberals need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would NEVER get their agendas past the voters.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that when the terrorists don't have to hide from us over there, when they come over here I don't want to have any guns in the house to fight them off with.

I'm voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my cow.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon gas at 15% is reasonable.

Friday, September 19, 2008

The price of everything is going up - gas, food, clothes - everything! Many Americans are looking at their budgets trying to find areas to cut in order to afford the necessities of life. One of the things Americans are cutting are their landlines - they are getting rid of their phones. They are not getting rid of their communication devices just those that are connected by a wire.

According to a new study released from The Nielsen Company, more than 20 million households (17% of the United States) are wireless substitutors - homes without landlines that rely solely on a mobile phone for their home telecommunications. That number is looking to increase to one in five U.S. households by the end of 2008.

Those that are cutting cord tend to:

Lower income - 59% have household incomes of $40,000 or less

Have smaller households - one to two residents

Move or change jobs regularly

Use their mobile phones more than their landlines (45% more)

The study revealed that cutting the landline isn't for everyone. Ten percent of those that went to mobile only ended up going back to their landline service. Some of the reasons for going back ranged from needing a landline for satellite television to needing one for their secruity system.Click here or more information the Nielsen study and to download their white paper.

What do you do if you feel that the local gas station is taking advantage of the current situation in Texas and is gouging you at the pump? Well, if you are a resident of Georgia, Governor Sonny Perdue as issued his anti-gouging order and you now have some ammunition to fight with.

If you feel that you are being gouged keep your gas purchase receipt.

With your camera phone, take a picture of the gas price and your purchase total.

In the Atlanta area call (404) 651-8600

Outside Atlanta call 800-869-1123

Go online to www.consumer.georgia.gov

Bill Cloud, spokesman for the state's consumer affairs office, said that there wasn't a gas shortage but more a run on gas. "Believe me, if everybody goes out and buys gas, you're going to run out of gas, " he said. "If you've got gas and don't need to go on a trip, I'd wait to get gas later in the week."

Thursday, September 11, 2008

I always enjoy Phil Cooke. There are many times when he will post an article on his blog that will cause me to think. But the video that he posted today - I just couldn't believe that people were still doing this. No wonder the world thinks we not relevant.

It's hard to believe that it was 7 years ago that the United States suffered it's worst attack. I remember like it was only yesterday where I was on that fateful day. At the time I was working with In Touch Ministries as a media representative. Me and another rep for the ministry were attending a religious broadcasters regional meeting in Michigan. Everything seemed to be normal - we arrived on that Monday afternoon and caught up with many of the radio stations that aired Dr. Stanley's radio program. We worshiped with Charles Billingsley and Selah and heard a powerful message.

The next morning, after a good night sleep, I got up and got ready for another good day - or so I thought. As I was making my way to the dining hall for breakfast, I saw a number of my colleagues gathered around the only television at the conference center watching as the first plane hit the World Trade Center. It was surreal! We all started discussing why possibly could have gone wrong - the pilot drunk, systems on board not working, etc. Then it happened - the second plane hit! At that point we all knew - this was no mistake, this was no error. This was an attack.

My partner and I went into full emergency mode. I called the ministry and asked if Dr. Stanley was OK (he was on vacation in Canada) and they told me he was unable to get across the border. My partner started to call for a rental car to get us home. I started to get a number of calls from family and friends knowing that I was away on business. When my wife called in a little panic because she heard from her folks - stuck in Detroit unable to finish their trip to Seattle. Throughout this morning, Erwin Lutzer, pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois, gather all the attendees to pray for those who were resoponsible, pray for the victims and their families, pray for our leaders and their response to the situation. I will always respect Dr. Lutzer for his sensitivity to that situation.

The drive home was exhausting. We were able to get my in-laws in Detroit and make it back to Atlanta early the next morning. At In Touch, the staff was busy trying to get Dr. Stanley back to Atlanta so he could be ready to minister at First Baptist, Atlanta. That situation was a miracle in of itself. Some how Mission Aviation Fellowship was able to secure permission to fly to Montana, where Dr. Stanley was able to get to, and pick him up and fly him back to Atlanta. Remember, the airspace over the United States was closed - no flights, nothing! God knew exactly what needed to be accomplished and it was done!

As I think back to the weeks that followed and the ouutpouring of love and concern; how the churches were filled to overflowing; how the country became united behind one cause, I'm saddened to see where we are now. We are in the middle of an election where each side is blaming each other, accusing each other. What happened to that unity? What happened to all those who looked to God for support and comfort? Why have we forgotten the sacrifice, the heroism?

Let's not forget 9/11. Let this day be a reminder that we are not in control of the world around us, but we know who is. Let's continue to look to God for support, comfort and peace in a time where all that is in short supply.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

I was reminded of how animal trainers train an elephant. It's pretty amazing how this is accomplished. You would think that one of the strongest animals on the planet would be hard to control, but the method is pretty amazing.

It all starts when the elephant is young. The young elephant is shackled to a tree and strong iron chains. When the beast tries to free it self it feels the resistance. Over time the chains are replaced by smaller and weaker restraints, but enough of a restraint that keeps the animal from coming loose. This training takes place of a long period of time and before long the elephant is restrained by just twine and a wooden stake. What the trainer has done is defeat the will of the elephant and tricked it to think that it cannot free itself when in reality the elephant can easily free itself with just a slight tug on the line.

This process reminds me of how sin entraps us and tricks us into thinking that we are defeated when in reality the power Christ has given us through the Holy Spirit enables us to defeat the sin in our lives. What power does sin have over you today? What lies have you been tricked into believing are true and has you "chained"? According to the Scriptures, the power of Christ within us is greater than anything Satan can throw at us. All it takes is a little "tug" at the twine to be free.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

One of the many books that I've grown to love has been Don Miller's Blue Like Jazz. A thoughtful look at the Christian faith. I've had the opportunity to hear him speak during Catalyst and found him to be just as thoughtful as a speaker. Here is his prayer that he delivered at the closing of Monday evening's DNC Convention.